Defense Secretary Ash Carter Fires Senior 3-Star Military Assistant. What's Your Opinion?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 15:02:32 -0500

I am stunned from Gen Lewis fall from grace, I actually met him and briefed him in 2013 in Afghanistan. If its true of his improper relationships allegations (investigation pending) that's the nail in the coffin. You have to lead by example and that's not the military way when your a General Officer!

In a recent Armytimes article:
The three-star general who has been serving as the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Ash Carter was abruptly fired Thursday amid allegations of misconduct.
Army Lt. Gen. Ron Lewis was removed from his post Thursday morning after Carter learned of the allegations Tuesday night, a senior defense official said.
"The secretary was very surprised to learn of these allegations," the official said.
Pentagon officials declined to reveal details of the alleged misconduct.
Carter has referred the matter to the Defense Department's inspector general for an official investigation.
For now, Lewis will report to the Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel B. Allyn.
Other top generals facing IG investigations have been permitted to remain in their jobs.
For example, Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright was the vice chairman of the Joint Staff in 2011 while the IG investigated allegations that he had an improper relationship with a female subordinate.
Navy Adm. James Stavridis remained in his post as commander of U.S. European Command in 2012 while the IG investigated allegations that he misused government travel privileges and improperly accented gifts.
In both cases, the IG identified minor infractions that resulted in no disciplinary action.
The two men have a long history. Lewis twice previously filled the role of military adviser to Carter, first when Carter was the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics in 2011, and then assuming the same role when Carter took over as deputy secretary of defense until Lewis redeployed to Afghanistan in early 2012.
Given that connection, Pentagon watchers had identified Lewis as a rising star inside the Pentagon.
Earlier this summer, Andrew Hunter of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who served under Carter during his tenure as undersecretary of acquisition, technology and logistics, praised Lewis as the type of leader that Carter worked well with.
"It probably wouldn't be a stretch to suggest Ron Lewis is destined for great things," Hunter said in a June interview. "I think he's someone who has that combination of brainpower and ability to do very complex operational jobs."
Carter himself praised Lewis in an Oct. 14 speech at the Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting.
"It’s my privilege, also, to work closely with some of the terrific soldiers, and I want to take a moment to recognize some of them who are right around me every day, starting with my senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Ron Lewis," Carter said. "Time after time, whenever I’ve needed Ron’s counsel and vision, I’ve been able to count on him. Thanks, my friend."

http://www.militarycorruption.com/ronlewis.htm

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/11/12/defense-secretary-ash-carter-fires-senior-3-star-military-assistant/75672766/

Defense Secretary Ash Carter fires senior 3-star military assistant

The three-star general who has been serving as the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Ash Carter was abruptly fired Thursday amid allegations of misconduct. 

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 3:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 15:11:45 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Unbelievable. I'm looking for more information to come out about this. I hope this isn't a knee jerk reaction to an allegation.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 14 at 2015 3:29 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 15:29:12 -0500

I'd normally hear "what's going on with MY Army", and counter that it's the same stuff that's been going on in "OUR" Army forever. But I'm wondering if the sense of entitlement and RHIP has really gotten past our value system, and our own moral compasses. What are leaders of today not doing that is causing so many in a relative short time span to kill their careers? And most of it is over really SIMPLE things that are driven home in mandatory training. When the facts come out, hopefully this will be a learning moment for seniors, with a talk to the juniors about things not done, said, or enforced. I hope the best for him, but will wait until the facts are presented to see what really is the deal.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 3:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 15:42:05 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I read about this yesterday on Military.com. It's a little early to have an opinion. If he did mess up, it must have been bad to get fired like that. With all of his experience and expertise in the Middle East, he would have been the go to General. Maybe it's not as bad as it looks, but even the accusations will ruin a career, guilty or not. I'm sorry your acquaintance with the General has come to this. You can make a boy a man, but you can't take the boy out of the man. It's upsetting

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Nov 14 at 2015 4:09 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:09:35 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I guess that each case is different. The SECDEF can't have the aura of favoritism surrounding him.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 14 at 2015 4:10 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:10:59 -0500

Something happened SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, these two were a very good team.....it could be that Secretary Carter walked in on something inappropriate and had to make the call.....not being accusatory but something caused a big rift and fast.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Nov 14 at 2015 4:20 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:20:59 -0500

A few thoughts:
- Most senior leaders, military or civilian, do not take drastic action without cause. Drastic action, such as a firing, without cause, tends to have severe blowback for the leader taking action.
- The ethical, moral, and legal standards for senior leaders must be the same as, if not more than, the standard for more junior leaders. Hillary Clinton and her email not withstanding as an exception example to this statement.
- The court/legal standard is "innocent until proven guilty". A firing, however, is not a court or legal standard. The standard varies but it is more than just a suspicion or wrongdoing and less than "beyond a reasonable doubt". Most times it hovers around "more likely than not" from what I have seen.
- If LTG Lewis had an improper relationship then I have no sympathy for him. You make your bed and you lie in it.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 14 at 2015 4:53 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:53:59 -0500

If someone has a zipper problem it is seldom a one time event. Bet lots of people knew and kept it quiet.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 15 at 2015 10:55 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 10:55:29 -0500

What exactly is the allegation? Inappropriate relationship with a subordinate?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 7:08 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 19:08:45 -0500

There is a lot of conjecture and jumping to conclusions going on. I think we should wait to see what comes out of this instead of adding to the rumor mill.

"A Pentagon statement announcing the firing had no specific details about the purported misconduct but said Mr. Carter had referred it to the Defense Department’s IG."

I'm sure that if the IG finds cause for action it will be taken.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 15 at 2015 7:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 19:55:07 -0500

Sins of some Generals: Sex, Confidential information, Alcohol, More Sex, Misuse of government property, Toxic leadership, Gambling.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 15 at 2015 8:20 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 20:20:47 -0500

Without much info, and it's not clear in the story, but if he was fired, my guess is it was probably warranted... I can't wait to find out why. Lately, at the rate high ranking leaders are getting fired, it's like watching "Military Soaps"... ~~Tune in next time to Military Life At The Top, when Ash Carter says...~~
dum dum dum dummmmmm!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 16 at 2015 8:06 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:06:44 -0500

It sounds to me like the general who was relieved has some issues regarding marital Fidelity. While I personally believe that what you do in your personal life should not have any bearing on your military service, the UCMJ is specific about adultery.

Response by CSM Peter Collins made Nov 16 at 2015 9:12 AM

CSM Peter Collins — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:12:08 -0500

I served with this man and am astounded that there are allegations of any sort. I am praying for him.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 16 at 2015 9:59 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:59:00 -0500

Wow another story I have been out of the loop on, it is a sad case and I didn't get to serve under this Generals command so I want assume anything, I will say that I hope they have some serious evidence on this to fire a 3 star General.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 1:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 13:08:08 -0500

I was lucky enough to serve with LTG Lewis (then COL Lewis) in a couple of positions. He is an extraordinary leader and I have learned a great many things during my time in our unit and the conversations we've had since. Although I am deeply saddened and shocked at this news, I will wait until the investigation is complete before commenting further.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Nov 16 at 2015 6:39 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 18:39:44 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner, The UCMJ applies the same standards for all soldiers, to include senior officers in the chain of command. We all know the drill Lt. General Lewis will be investigated, he will apply for retirement, lose a star, retire as a Major General. End of Story. The victim will be raised a grade, choice assignment and a PTSD 100% disability claim and retire. Who pays for this welcome to the real world folks. When the people doing the sexual attacking are the senior officers who are sup pore to be solving the problem, the Army has a real problem. All cases of sexual assault from file the charge to prosecution should be in Federal court who don't recognize rank. If Genera; Lewis is in fact found guilty he should be sent to the USDB at Ft. Leavenworth to serve a full sentence.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Nov 16 at 2015 8:11 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:11:57 -0500

I am wondering how Potus let someone fire a brother.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 8:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:31:49 -0500

If you make mistakes and misrepresent the Army (or your Service's) Values, then you do not deserve recognition, positions of influence, or frankly, to continue your service. That position usually leads to being a combatant commander or service chairman, it should not be taken/treated lightly.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 17 at 2015 10:01 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 10:01:52 -0500

Seeing as the General was actually true confidant, not just once, but thrice asked to fill a assistant position for Carter.. Id have to assume Carter has a strong understanding of what the likely outcome of this particular "investigation" is likely to reveal, and is just doing now, what would have been done later. Otherwise we would see statements of cautioned support, and Gen. Ron Lewis would have remained in position till the investigation concluded as so many others have when the accusations are not obviously supported at first.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 5:07 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:07:25 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr.,
Another black mark on the Army, but we mirror society in her greatness and weaknesses. Why just this week I learned of my youngest son's high school drama teacher being arrested for sex with a student. The real question is why fired before investigation is complete? Perhaps their is already enough evidence so the IG process is simply a formality at this point. Still, it's unfortunate that we must mirror society even at her worst.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Nov 17 at 2015 8:38 PM

1SG Nick Baker — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 20:38:04 -0500

Wouldn't it be great to apply the same standard of conduct to our civilian leadership.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 8:46 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 08:46:50 -0500

Too soon to tell... perhaps the language should be suspended from duties pending an investigation vice being "fired."